Analysis of English professional goalkeeper match actions over two competitive seasons:

Implications for the coaching process

Andy Elleray and Gareth JonesUniversity of Worcester, Worcester, UK

Introduction

• Traditionally the goalkeeper’s contribution to a football game has been associated with handling skills such as shot stopping and catching crosses.

• Previous studies within goalkeeping in this area have predominantly focused on:• Activity profiles (Di Salvo et al., 2008)• Laboratory biomechnaics (Sørensen et al., 2008)

Introduction

• New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives

• FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012)• 43 high profile competitive matches• 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their feet e.g: distribution

FIFA 2012

FIFA 2012

Introduction

• New FIFA goalkeeping initiatives• FIFA ‘Goalkeeper Intervention study‘ (2012)• 43 high profile competitive matches• 66% of the goalkeeper’s interventions involved their feet e.g: distribution

• Very little research has been carried out in this area of goalkeeper match profiling

Method 1 • Match analysis: • 92 games of a professional English football league two level team, over two whole seasons, the following parameters considered: • Interventions with feet (Through ball; dribble and drive; Goal kick; Back pass; Hand kick) • Interventions with hands (Save; Catch cross; Throw out; Back pass)

Action Definition

Save Goalkeeper generally makes a save with any part of their body

Cross Having to deal with a crossed ball

Through Balls When the goalkeeper deals with a through ball or over hit pass

into the penalty area

Dribble and Drive Goalkeeper will place the ball on the floor to distribute when the

balls in hand

Thrown Out Goalkeeper has thrown the ball out

Hand Kick Goalkeeper kicks the ball out of their hands

Goal Kick/Free Kick Goalkeeper takes a goal kick or a free kick

Back Pass Goalkeeper has been presented with a back pass to deal with

Method 2 • Training analysis: • A typical week of professional goalkeeper training was also examined through observation • The various training activities were monitored and the time allocated to each area calculated as a percentage

Match Analysis ResultsGoalkeepers intervened nearly three times as much with their feet as with their hands. Results for the 2009/10 season were:

Match Analysis ResultsResults for the 2010/11 season were:

Observational training Results• The ‘typical week’s training’ included time spent in the following activities: • Intervention with hands specific training (specific shot stopping and handling sessions, 36%) • Interventions with both hands and feet (Team based shooting, phase of play sessions, team shape and small sided games, 36%) and gym based sessions (28%)

Day TrainingMonday *GK training without GK coach

Team based training Gym work

Tuesday *GK specific training (handling/shot stopping) Team based training Gym work

Wednesday Off

Thursday *GK specific training (handling shot stopping) Team based training Gym work

Friday *GK training without GK coach Team based training

Saturday Match

Sunday Off

*NB: GK Technical sessions do involve both feet & hands – GK serving with feet; occasionally acting as a shooter….

Discussion• It is evident from the results that there is a clear discrepancy between what the goalkeepers actually do within a competitive situation and within training scenarios. • Implications for coaches include: Structure of the training sessions need to reflect time devoted to specific match actions in order to create more realistic training environments; Further emphasis required on certain areas of the game (distribution as opposed to shot stopping and reaction training).

The Future?!

The Future?!• Created ‘Games Based Goalkeeper Training’

concept for youth GKs: 5-12 mainly but can be used for older age groups

• Based around TGfU environments• Involves no passive play and works on distribution

(feet & hands) frequently• 60+ games• Out this autumn in ‘Scientific Approaches to

Goalkeeping in Football’

Discussion• GK involvement in team based training and tactical sessions is of paramount importance• Based on the results – the GK initiates the play – first point of attack; Leader!; Organiser!; Playmaker!!!• Variability of practice – to ensure that all GK activities are practised…

“It’s a very specialised position and the GK has a very important role in modern football”, (Alex Vencel, FIFA GK Instructor, 2012)

ReferencesDi-Salvo, V., Benito, P., Calderon, F.J and Pigozzi, F. (2008). Activity profile of elite goalkeepers during match play. Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, 48, (4), p443-446.Elleray, A. (2011). A case study comparing current goalkeeper coaching structures within professional youth football systems in England , Unpublished MSc manuscript. University of WorcesterFIFA. (2012). The Special Ones. FIFA World Magazine, (26), p53-55.Sørensen H, Thomassen, M & Zacho, M. (2008). Biomechanical profile of Danish elite and sub-elite soccer goalkeepers. Football (Science), 5, p37–44

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